03/29/2010 – What should I do with my sluggish Computer?

“Oh, I am tired with my sluggish computer……,” this has become the common statement that we tend to hear or say. Computers are supposed to speed up our productivity by helping us to do more in less time. But, it would not be the same case always when slow running computer keeps us away from getting our work done. This blog focuses on specifying some of the easy, do-it-yourself suggestions to keep system running and performing better. So, before throwing away your sluggish computer and buying a new one, better try these easy steps.

a. Get rid of garbage: The more files and programs you have, the slower your machine will be. So, deleting unneeded stuff off the hard drive can speed startup and energize the CPU. Definitely ditch the trial versions of software that came on your computer (games, Internet services, and so on), as well as temporary files and system logs.

The PC fix:Use Disk Cleanup (search for it via the Start menu) to get rid of files. Click More Options to delete programs.

The Mac fix:Drag apps or files to the Trash. Also delete an application’s support folder, found under your user name: Places: Library: Application Support.

b. Clean up the desktop: Got documents, folders, photos, and programs scattered across your desktop? Both PCs and Macs must sort and load this pile of files when you start the computer. That wastes memory and takes time. For snappier startup, store stuff elsewhere.

The PC fix:Stash files and apps under My Documents. For desktop access to certain items, create shortcuts, tiny files that point to the real file: Right-click the item and select ‘send to Desktop’.

The Mac fix:Move files to folders under Places. To create a shortcut, control-click an item, select Make Alias, and drag it to the desktop.

c. Manage Launches: Applications that are set to launch automatically delay startup. Such programs then run in the background, draining processing power. Some open without your knowing it (like iTunesHelper, which isn’t needed until you load iTunes). To un-choke startup, disable auto-launch where possible.

The PC fix:In Windows Vista and 7, type “msconfig” in the Start menu; in XP, type “Run,” then “msconfig.” Click Startup, and deselect apps you don’t need right when you turn on the computer.

d. Simplify Security: PC security suites provide whole-hog protection from worms, viruses, hackers, and more — but they drain computing resources while scanning for these threats. Besides, some of the programs’ features are redundant. Today’s web browsers have pop-up blockers to prevent malware installation, and Windows has firewalls to block spyware. Trading out power-suck suites for simple virus protection can make your computer more efficient.

The PC fix: Delete the suite in favor of ESET Nod32 Antivirus.

The Mac fix:None; Mac users typically don’t use security software.

By following these steps you might be able to improve the performance of your sluggish computer dramatically. Try these simple steps as there are no harms involved with it.